This is not the return of the Renault engine to Formula 1. However, this is symbolic and unexpected information from Alpine. The contract signed with Mercedes-Benz for the supply of the power unit and the gearbox contains variances. Thus, if the first part is valid until 2030, from 2027, the Losange factory team will regain its independence and develop its own transmission. A strategy opposed to the speech recently displayed by the strong man of A arrow, Flavio Briatore.
“We are saying goodbye to something that only costs us money but brings us nothing”explained the Italian in December. “Mercedes will provide us with the best engine and gearbox on the market in 2026. If you want to win, 80-90% of your components have to be the best. You don't need a handicap, […]and the gearbox? It can't make you win races, it can only make you lose them. “
This vision is therefore only valid for 2026. Through its young Team Manager Oliver Oakes, Alpine confirms that it will use its own gearbox from 2027. The interest of a passage by Mercedes-Benz for a year is to be able to devote resources to other major aspects of the car's development, at a time when new regulations are being introduced in 2026.
“We take the box [de Mercedes] only for one year in 2026 “confirms the Briton to Autosport.com. “It gives us a little more resources to approach the regulation change so that we have something less to think about. But our own gearbox is in the car now and it works well, and it will be the same in 2027 and in beyond.
This speech from Oliver Oakes also contrasts with certain comments from the paddock believing that the Alpine gearbox is not necessarily efficient. The break of a season is perhaps also desired to rethink the project and give ourselves time to regain color. Still, this decision, if it is appreciable for adding DNA ” Alpine/Renault “ in this car, will not bring Viry-Châtillon back into the race, since the gearbox is developed at Enstone.
